Clark County activates cooling stations as temperatures soar toward 110 degrees

Free respite centers open valley-wide through Sunday to combat extreme heat risk

Clark County has activated cooling stations across the Las Vegas Valley and Southern Nevada as the region braces for a punishing heat wave that will push temperatures as high as 109 degrees over the coming days.

The cooling stations opened at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, and will remain operational through 10 p.m. Sunday, August 10, providing critical relief for vulnerable populations including the homeless, elderly, and anyone without access to air conditioning.

Rising temperatures prompt action

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat risk advisory for Southern Nevada, with temperatures forecast to reach 106 degrees Monday, climbing to 109 degrees by Tuesday and potentially hitting 110 degrees Wednesday. The sweltering conditions follow what meteorologists called the coolest July in a decade for Las Vegas.

“These cooling centers are open to people experiencing homelessness and others in the community in need of cool, indoor spaces for respite from the heat,” a Clark County spokesperson stated, emphasizing the life-saving importance of these facilities.

Locations across the valley

Clark County has established cooling stations at various community centers, recreation facilities, and public buildings throughout the metropolitan area. Additionally, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District locations serve as daytime cooling stations, significantly expanding the number of available sites.

Key cooling station locations include:

Las Vegas:

• Courtyard Homeless Resource Center, 1401 Las Vegas Blvd. North (open 24 hours, pets allowed)
• The Salvation Army, 35 West Owens Avenue
• Cambridge Recreation Center, 3930 Cambridge Street
• Hollywood Recreation Center, 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd.
• Whitney Recreation Center, 5712 E. Missouri Avenue

North Las Vegas:

• Walnut Recreation Center, 3075 N. Walnut Road
• Pearson Community Center, 1625 W. Carey Avenue
• Catholic Charities, 1511 Las Vegas Blvd. North

Henderson:

• Downtown Recreation Center, 105 W. Basic Road
• Downtown Senior Center, 27 E. Texas Avenue

Additional cooling stations are available in Laughlin and Mesquite for residents in those communities. Most facilities operate during daytime hours, though specific schedules vary by location.

Library system participation

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District plays a crucial role in the cooling station network, with 25 library locations serving as daytime cooling centers. Libraries typically operate Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours may vary by branch.

Popular library cooling stations include:

• Centennial Hills Library, 6711 N. Buffalo Drive
• Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road
• East Las Vegas Library, 2851 E. Bonanza Road
• Enterprise Library, 8310 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive

A growing public health concern

The activation of cooling stations comes amid increasing concerns about heat-related deaths in Southern Nevada. Clark County recorded a staggering 526 heat-related deaths in 2024, marking the deadliest year on record and highlighting the urgent need for accessible cooling resources.

Health officials note that several factors can increase vulnerability to heat-related illness, including age, chronic medical conditions, certain medications, and substance use. The Southern Nevada Health District has emphasized that exposure to drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine can significantly increase heat-related health risks.

What to expect at cooling stations

Cooling stations provide air-conditioned spaces where residents can escape dangerous temperatures. Most facilities offer:

• Comfortable seating areas
• Access to water
• Restroom facilities
• A safe environment for all ages

While most cooling stations don’t allow pets, the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center permits animals on leashes or in carriers, with an outdoor cooling area available for pets.

Visitors are encouraged to bring any personal items they may need for their stay, including medications, snacks, and activities to pass the time.

Heat safety recommendations

As temperatures soar, health officials urge residents to take precautions:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even briefly
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives regularly
• Recognize signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and dizziness
• Seek immediate medical attention for heat stroke symptoms: high body temperature, altered mental state, hot dry skin

Community resources and information

Residents seeking the most current information about cooling station locations and hours can visit helphopehome.org, Clark County’s centralized resource for services supporting people experiencing homelessness and others in need.

The county encourages residents to plan ahead, checking operating hours before visiting cooling stations, as schedules can vary by location and day of the week.

Looking ahead

With climate models predicting increasingly severe heat waves in Las Vegas, local officials continue to explore long-term solutions. Nevada lawmakers introduced Assembly Bill 96 earlier this year, which would require cities and counties with populations over 100,000 to develop comprehensive heat mitigation strategies in their master plans.

The proposed legislation calls for expanded cooling center access, increased tree canopy coverage, more public drinking water sources, and enhanced shade structures over paved areas—all aimed at creating a more heat-resilient community.

As Las Vegas faces another week of extreme temperatures, the cooling stations serve as a critical safety net for the community’s most vulnerable residents, potentially saving lives during this dangerous heat event.

Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/cooling-stations-open-across-las-234939057.html

Category: Local News
Subcategory: Public Safety
Date: 08/05/2025